S.F. Parks Don't Make Grade, Parents Say

Fifteen parents in San Francisco -- angry about the condition of many parks in low-income districts -- have issued a report card grading public parks for their safety, cleanliness and programs.

Only two parks, in the Marina District and Pacific Heights, scored "A's," while parks in Hunter's Point, the Tenderloin, Western Addition and Crocker Amazon got "F's."

"San Francisco is one of the best cities in the world. We have the resources to make our parks at least adequate if not supreme," said Josefa Perez, one of the 15 parents in Parent Advocates for Youth, a San Francisco group affiliated with Coleman Advocates for Children.

Yesterday, Perez and other parents gathered at Franklin Square in the Mission District, a park that earned a "C-," and showed officials from the Recreation and Park Department things that could make the park better.

"Play areas should be fenced in to keep dogs out," Perez said, pointing to a dog in the sand near the swings. "Children can pick up worms by playing in sand where there are dog feces."

Drug activity, intoxicated denizens and garbage were all grounds for a failing grade. Regular police patrols, fenced play areas for young children and on-site supervisors earned high marks.

Elsie Banderas, another parent, described how earlier yesterday a transient yelled at her children as they played in the playground.

"I don't bring them here that much," said Banderas, who lives three and a half blocks from the park at 17th and Bryant Streets.

Michael Morlin, the assistant superintendent of parks, said he felt embarrassed.

He explained the disparities in parks in wealthier and poorer districts by saying that different people use the parks. He suggested that in low-income areas, children are probably using parks much more because parents may be unable to take them to theme parks.

Mary Harris, another parent, said that it is especially important for parks to be safe and fun for children in low-income areas.